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Self-employed general contractor dies in fall from rooftop in Massachusetts.

A 28 year old self-employed general contractor specializing in roofing material application fell 38 feet to his death off of an ice encrusted rooftop under construction in Massachusetts. While attempting to remove a rooftop tarpulin in icy weather conditions the victim slipped, fell, and slid 19 feet down the roof to an adjoining structure rooftop striking the rear portion of his head. He then slid an additional 14 feet down that rooftop to a 16 foot vertical drop over the edge to the frozen ground below. Losing consciousness, yet maintaining respirations and vital signs, the victim received emergency medical treatment on the scene within five minutes and was transported immediately to the regional medical center where he died four days later. The MA FACE Investigator concluded that employers should: 1. Evaluate environmental factors that would inhibit commencement and assurance of safe work practices in the planning phase of construction projects and on a daily basis, if necessary. 2. Implement current standard(s) which require the use of roof bracket working surfaces and catch platform systems on roofing operations. 3. Implement current standard(s) which require the use safety belts/harnesses, lifelines, and lanyards when working from elevations. 4. Select and appoint a designated safety person to develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive safety program that includes, but is not limited to, training in fall hazard recognition and the use of fall protection devices.